A North High Street store employee was stabbed early Thursday after trying to stop a person from walking out with a drink, and Columbus police are now searching for the attacker while keeping quiet on how badly the worker was hurt.
What police released
Columbus police said the stabbing happened around 6:15 a.m. in the 800 block of North High Street, after a person came in and tried to leave with a drink without paying, according to WTTE. Video provided by investigators shows the employee knocking the drink out of the person's hands. As the worker turned away, the suspect reopened the door and lunged with a knife. Police said the suspect then ran north on foot while detectives canvassed the neighborhood for leads. Officers released still images from the footage in hopes someone will recognize the person, WTTE reported, and authorities have not publicly detailed the employee's condition.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone with information to call the Columbus Division of Police Felony Assault Unit at 614-645-4141, according to the City of Columbus Division of Police. Tipsters who prefer to stay anonymous can contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or submit information through the Crime Stoppers website.
Neighborhood context
The 800 block of North High sits along a stretch that has seen multiple robberies and assaults in recent months, prompting repeated police pleas for local surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. Detectives say video from security cameras and bystanders often provides the break that solves these kinds of cases, and officers are urging nearby residents and businesses to check their systems for anything recorded around the time of the stabbing.
Legal implications
According to city guidance, the Major Crimes Bureau, including the Felony Assault Unit, investigates knife attacks like this, and prosecutors could pursue felonious assault charges depending on what the investigation uncovers, per the City of Columbus Division of Police. Officers again stressed that anyone with footage or information should contact the Felony Assault Unit or Crime Stoppers so detectives can review potential evidence and determine next steps.
